Keeping our guests abreast of Special Events and Offerings in Santa Fe.

Christmas Shopping in

Santa Fe

Santa Fe Community College and the Institute of American Indian Arts are each hosting holiday arts and crafts fairs on their campuses on Saturday, December 7, from 9 am to 4 pm with original art and handmade gifts created by over a hundred artists and craft people. Free parking and admission. Visit sfcc.edu and iaia.edu for more info.

Other unique Santa Fe shopping experiences include Southwest Style Nativities found at two Christmas Stores, The Shop and Susan's on Palace just off the Plaza and the Chocolate Trail mentioned in many blogs like Dying for Chocolate.

Stay four or more nights at the Don Gaspar Inn and the fourth night is free! Available for NEW Reservations only. This offer must be mentioned at time of booking. Not valid during Holidays or Special Event Dates. Cannot be combined with other offers or specials. One free night only per four or more night stay. Offer Valid November 1, 2013 through April 30, 2014.

Santa Fe Ski Basin opened on Thanksgiving Day for the first time since the 2002-03 season. Snow fall the last week of November has created a 27 inch base and 90% of the runs will be open. Check here for updates on conditions.

Winter Wonderland in Santa Fe

Season's Greetings to all of our Friends and Family from everyone at the Don Gaspar Inn. We hope you have a wonderful and safe Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year.

Santa Fe is a Winter Wonderland at this time of year. Buildings on the Plaza and around the city are bedecked with Farolitos, the Plaza is filled with bright colored lights and good cheer is in every corner. The sun is warm and welcoming and the city is filled with unique activities for you to enjoy.

Farolitos or Luminarias are traditional decorations like the ones above on the Don Gaspar Inn's adobe walls. They consist of a paper bag with sand and a candle, of course they are now electrified on the tops of buildings but many places still put out the traditional ones. You can see them at the Children's Museum on Dec. 21, 6-9pm for the Winter Solstice Festival and on Canyon Road on Dec. 24 from 6-9pm for the annual Farolito Walk.

We at the Don Gaspar Inn wish you and your family a joyful Holiday Season and a Happy New Year.

We have some GREAT Valentine's specials, dinners, and shopping for you in this issue!

February is here! The Don Gaspar Inn, Santa Fe Merchants, and Local Restaurants are preparing their very best for Valentine's Day! In this issue, we will share with you our special Valentine's Day rates, places serving delicious romantic dinners for two, and great Febuary 14th shopping discounts at Santa Fe's finest retailers.

Here at the Don Gaspar Inn, our GM Chris has just returned from a week at the Professional Association of Innkeeping Conference in Las Vegas with great information to make The Don Gaspar an even better guest experience! Ana, Paige, and Concha kept the show alive on property. Concha is giving the property a deep clean, while Paige is planning lots of heart-shaped holiday goodies! Ana has flown the coup and is on a yacht somewhere in the Caribbean!...in her mind anyway...

We look forward to continuing to serve you in 2013! Don't forget, it's not too late for a romantic getaway this month! Call now at 505-986-8664 to book Valentine's Day accomodations while they are still available!

DON GASPAR INN "LOVE BIRDS" SPECIAL:

Enjoy a Romantic Valentine's Vacation - all February! Book 2 or more nights and receive all the romance on us! Flowers and Chocolates! Mention special at the time of booking!

Valid through Feb. 28, 2013

(505)986-8664 / (888)986-8664Cannot be combined with any other Offer or Special.

Be My Valentine Special

This year, we've made it easy to make your Valentine feel special with our Be My Valentine Special. You can choose if want to surprise your sweetie with a gift certificate for a relaxing massage or come in with them for a romantic couples massage.*

Throughout the month of February, you can book a Couples Massage for yourself and your sweetie (in the same room or in separate rooms) at a discounted price*:

60-minute Couples Massage for $135 + tax (regularly $160 + tax)

75-minute Couples Massage for $165 + tax (regularly $190 + tax)

90-minute Couples Massage for $195 + tax (regularly $220 + tax)

...Or choose from specially-priced Be My Valentine Gift Certificates:

Gift Certificatespage, under "Choose and amount or a service," choose "services," and the Be My Valentine Gift Certificate links will appear.

Chef Patrick Gharrity has created a romantic and inspired prix fixe dinner for sweethearts on valentine's day. We will be offering our prix fixe menu starting Thursday February 14th through Saturday February 16th. Hope to see you toasting with your sweetheart for Valentine's day.Prix Fixe Valentines Day Menu

Valentine's Day Flowers!Cutting Edge Flowers
Through February 14, 2013

We are excited to offer you this years Valentine's Specials! All orders from Feb 1-14th, add a box of CoCopelli Chocolates to your floral order for only $10. Our designers custom design a bouquet just for you from the flowers we will have on hand.

*We have a minimum $77 on Valentine's Day orders that does include the $12 delivery charge. Or Free Pick Up! Call us right now to place your order, Supplies limited 505-424-3431

New Mexico's Restaurant Weeks were established in 2010 to introduce diners and travelers to the vast array of restaurants and hotels in New Mexico. This year's extravaganza kicks off in Santa Fe (February 24 - March 3, 2013), and continues in Taos (March 3-10, 2013) and Albuquerque (March 10-17, 2013). Participating restaurants in other communities will join their nearest Restaurant Week.

Santa Fe is a foodie paradise...Let your taste buds go wild at Santa Fe's annual Restaurant week. Your favorite hotel still has rooms available at a great rate! Visit Website

This is a fun event for corporations, small businesses, large families, skiing friends, and individuals. Challenge your friends, co-workers, rivals, or family members to an individual or team event where your time on the course is based on a handicap system taking into consideration your age, sex, and whether you are a skier or snow boarder. It is a great way to have fun, meet other skiers, increase the participants well being and general health, and to make business contacts. Enjoy some of the best skiing in the world on the beautiful mountains of New Mexico. Your entry fee will support the 2004 NCAA Champions UNM Ski Team, the only team from the state of New Mexico to ever win an NCAA Team title.www.skisantafe.com

We Love Your Pictures and Reviews!!!

If you have a great experience story or photo to share of a stay here at the Don Gaspar Inn, please send it into us at info@dongaspar.com! We will be keeping a close eye out and will be selecting submitted pictures and reviews at random to receive either a free night or discounts on future stays at the Don Gaspar Inn!!!!

If there are any questions or comments you would like to share with us directly, please do not hesitate to contact me directly - Christopher Dempsey, General Manager atinfo@dongaspar.com

Staying a little longer in Santa Fe? Maybe you would like to stay at one of our Vacation Rentals. The San Juan House is located 2 miles west of the Santa Fe Plaza in a residential area off of Cerrillos Road. The unit is surrounded by a private Coyote Fence and a large back yard garden. The rooms are appointed in the style of the Southwest similar to the decor of the Don Gaspar Inn rooms. Breakfast is not included, which is reflected in the reduced rate.

THE SAN JUAN HOUSE

This well appointed two bedroom, one bath abode home is just a 5 minute drive from the Plaza and the Don Gaspar Inn. It has oak floors and vigas throughout. One queen bed in the first bedroom, two twin beds in the second. Both bedrooms have French doors that open onto a large deck overlooking a private garden. The house has evaporative cooling in the summer time and a beautiful large green shade tree in the front yard with easy chairs on the porch for a relaxing evening.

We wanted to share some of the great deals the Don Gaspar Inn and our Sister Properties the Casa Blanca Inn and Blue Lake Ranch are offering as well as recommended area attractions, events and businesses that might be of interest to you.

Summer Fun Alert!!!

Be sure to keep an eye out forThe Don GasparandCasa Blanca InnNewsletters and Blogs. We are still hard at work to create fantastic Spa and Golf Packages for both Properties in 2013 and we will share these Great Escapes with you once they are perfected!!!

Don't Miss Out on Our Current Great Deal!!!

Winter Oasis Third Night Free

Book 3 or more nights at the Don Gaspar Inn and the third night is FREE!

Available for New Reservations only. This offer must be mentioned at the time of booking.

Not valid during Holidays and Special Event Dates. Refer to Blackout dates for exact restrictions.

Season's Greetings to all of our Friends and Family from Everyone at the Don Gaspar Inn. We hope you have a wonderful and safe Holiday Season and a very Happy New Year.

As you can see, we have "Decked" the Gardens and illuminated the night here at the Don Gaspar Inn. The only thing missing is snow and YOU...but we hope to see both soon!

We want everyone to know again how grateful we are for all your comments, suggestions, support, and praise over the last few months about your experiences with us and what we can do to make the Don Gaspar Inn the Best in Santa Fe Lodging. Since we have a moment or two of "down-time" we are working hard and will continue to do so to make 2013 shine. Property and Room Improvements, New Guest Amenities, and our ever constant attention to perfecting our Guest Service and Experience are all in the stocking this year.

Don't forget that Santa Fe is a Magical Place to visit during the winter months whether to shop, relax, or hit the ski slopes. We look forward to seeing you and sharing the Holiday Cheer!

Don't Forget Your Pictures and Reviews!!!

If you have a great experience story or photo to share of a stay here at the Don Gaspar Inn, please send it into us atinfo@dongaspar.com! We will be keeping a close eye out and will be selecting submitted pictures and reviews at random to receive either a free night or discounts on future stays at the Don Gaspar Inn!!!!

If there are any questions or comments you would like to share with us directly, please do not hesitate to contact me directly - Christopher Dempsey, General Manager at info@dongaspar.com

We wanted to share some of the great deals the Don Gaspar Inn and our Sister Properties the Casa Blanca Inn and Blue Lake Ranch are offering as well as recommended area attractions, events and businesses that might be of interest to you.

New Year Alert!!!

Be sure to keep an eye out forThe Don GasparandCasa Blanca InnJanuary and February Newsletters and Blogs. We are working to create fantastic SPA and Golf Packages for both Properties in 2013 and we will share these great Escapes with you once they are perfected!!!

Don't Miss Out on Our Current Great Deal!!!

Winter Oasis Third Night Free

Book 3 or more nights at the Don Gaspar Inn and the third night is FREE!

Available for New Reservations only. This offer must be mentioned at the time of booking.

Not valid during Holidays and Special Event Dates. Refer to Blackout dates for exact restrictions.

Offer valid from Nov 1, 2012 thru Mar 31, 2013.

Blackout Dates: Thanksgiving November 19-25, 2012 and Christmas/New Years December 19,2012-January 2, 2013 and Valentines Week.

These are just a few of the Things to do in Santa Fe and the Surrounding Areas during the Holiday Season and beyond. There are many Festivals and Events and as they get closer we will be sure to let you know about those that should not be missed.

Ski Santa Fe is nestled high in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains just 16 miles from the heart of historic Santa Fe, New Mexico. With a base area elevation of 10,350 feet, Ski Santa Fe is among the highest ski areas in the continental United States. The Millennium Triple Chairlift will take snow sport enthusiasts to a new height of 12,075 feet and some of the southwest's finest skiing. The vistas atop Ski Santa Fe are unsurpassed and act as the gateway for thrills including steep bump runs, powder filled chutes, gladded tree-skiing, and plenty of groomers. Our local patrons and visitors from around the world can all find something for their taste, whether a first time skier/boarder or seasoned veteran, we offer complete services for all level of participants. Ski Santa Fe is family oriented, but those seeking a challenge can find their place on our mountain. Come join us and enjoy the winter sun.

Santa Fe is internationally acclaimed for authentic culture, food, art...and now the best party of the winter. Join in this 10-day citywide celebration packed with outstanding music concerts, dance, dining, comedy, winter sports and fantastic deals. Purchase your Winter Fiesta Adventure Pass in advance and enjoy savings on everything from ski lift passes to hotel accommodations. Plan a quick, fun-filled getaway, not so far away.
Pre-order Passes below!

The Second Annual Winter Fiesta is presented by SantaFe.com and the City of Santa Fe and offers an exciting array of concerts, parties, culinary experiences, comedy, dining, shopping, hotel and ski discounts and more to help you beat the winter blues!

Each day, the Santa Fe Winter Fiesta Adventure Pass will make the good times even better. During Winter Fiesta, participants can also attend the Santa Fe Farmers' Market on January 28 and February 4 where farmers, growers and chefs from northern New Mexico sell their artisan cheese, bread, organic meat and poultry, eggs, produce, jams, jellies, salsas, chutneys and more.

The Railyard Artisans Market, held January 29 and February 5 in the Railyard Park, offers an array of jewelry, pottery, painting, sculpture, photography, fiber arts and more from the celebrated artists and craftspeople of northern New Mexico. (Free entry)

The city will offer free shuttles to help fiesta-goers attend events at different venues in Santa Fe.

One of Santa Fe's most beloved holiday traditions, the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, lights up the hearts and souls of thousands who promenade this famous path on Christmas Eve.
Small, sand-filled, paper bags illuminated with votive candles line the historic neighborhood streets and adobe walls. Carolers gather around the farolitos (Spanish for paper lantern; diminutive of farol, lantern; from faro, lighthouse, lantern; from Latin pharus, from Pharus, Pharos) or luminarias (small bonfires), and sing for joy as they warm themselves, and our hearts, from the cold night.
The Farolito Walk is free, and has become a celebrated tradition during this sacred season.

Many of the animal dances go on throughout the winter at Northern New Mexico's Indian Pueblos. The dates are usually the same from year to year regardless of the day of the week. Christmas is always a time of dancing, however. For the Pueblos near Santa Fe: Jemez has Buffalo, Eagle or game animal dances on Christmas and the following days. Taos Pueblo alternates dances every other year between the Deer dance and the Matachina dance, this year it is the Matachina dance. A sundown torchlight procession of the Virgin is scheduled Christmas Eve this year for the Picuris, Nambe and San Juan Pueblos. Matachina and other various dances are scheduled for Xmas day at Picuris, San Juan, Santa Clara, Taos, San Juan and San Ildefonso Pueblos. Inquire this year to see if there will be a Turtle Dance at San Juan and at Santa Clara and Picuris Pueblos there is often a Holy Innocents and children's dances after Christmas. New Year's day is also a time of dancing and the Transfer of the Canes ceremony celebrating the tribes' new leaders coming to power.

Christmas Eve in Santa Fe

Noche Buena, service; the midnight Mass of the Rooster, commemorating the folk story of the animals in the manger which were dismayed that no humans had come to see the Christ child so an old rooster flew to a high point and announced the coming of the Messiah. St. Francis Cathedral, 505-982-5619.

First and foremost let us extend our continued thoughts and prayers to all of our friends, your families, and loved ones who have been affected by the recent storm activity on the Eastern coast. Everyone at the Don Gaspar and our Sister Properties hopes that you have fared well and are on the road to recovery.

Fall is upon us and winter is just around the corner. If you have been fortunate enough to spend time in and around Santa Fe during the holidays, you already know how magical it is. If you have not, then what are you waiting for? November through March is a PERFECT time to come and visit the City Different whether to shop, relax, or hit the ski slopes.

It has been a great year here at the Don Gaspar! We want to thank all of our guests who made it to Santa Fe and spent time with us in 2012. Your friendship, insight, and advice have been a great source of inspiration to all of us here.

Your Vote Counts

...and your Pictures and Reviews Too!!!

We would like to thank everyone who voted this election and no matter what your party, we hope that you will continue to support and Vote for The Don Gaspar Inn as your choice for the best in Service, Experience, and Hospitality when visiting Santa Fe!!!

If you have a great experience or photo to share of a stay here at the Don Gaspar Inn, please send it into us at info@dongaspar.com! Or you can post it directly on our Tripadvisor review board at www.tripadvisor.com or on Google Plus, here. We will be keeping a close eye out and will be selecting submitted pictures and reviews at random to receive either a free night or discounts on future stays at the Don Gaspar Inn!!!!

We wanted to share some of the great deals the Don Gaspar Inn and our Sister Properties the Casa Blanca Inn and Blue Lake Ranch are offering as well as recommended area attractions, events and businesses that might be of interest to you.

Winter Oasis Third Night Free

Book 3 or more nights at the Don Gaspar Inn and the third night is FREE! Available for New Reservations only. This offer must be mentioned at the time of booking. Not valid during Holidays and Special Event Dates. Refer to Blackout dates for exact restrictions. Offer valid from Nov 1, 2012 thru Mar 31, 2013.

Blackout Dates: Thanksgiving November 19-25, 2012 and Christmas/New Years December 19,2012-January 2, 2013 and Valentines Week.

Ski Santa Fe is nestled high in the beautiful Sangre de Cristo Mountains just 16 miles from the heart of historic Santa Fe, New Mexico. With a base area elevation of 10,350 feet, Ski Santa Fe is among the highest ski areas in the continental United States. The Millennium Triple Chairlift will take snow sport enthusiasts to a new height of 12,075 feet and some of the southwest's finest skiing. The vistas atop Ski Santa Fe are unsurpassed and act as the gateway for thrills including steep bump runs, powder filled chutes, gladded tree-skiing, and plenty of groomers. Our local patrons and visitors from around the world can all find something for their taste, whether a first time skier/boarder or seasoned veteran, we offer complete services for all level of participants. Ski Santa Fe is family oriented, but those seeking a challenge can find their place on our mountain. Come join us and enjoy the winter sun.

Santa Fe is internationally acclaimed for authentic culture, food, art...and now the best party of the winter. Join in this 10-day citywide celebration packed with outstanding music concerts, dance, dining, comedy, winter sports and fantastic deals. Purchase your Winter Fiesta Adventure Pass in advance and enjoy savings on everything from ski lift passes to hotel accommodations. Plan a quick, fun-filled getaway, not so far away.
Pre-order Passes below!

The Second Annual Winter Fiesta is presented by SantaFe.com and the City of Santa Fe and offers an exciting array of concerts, parties, culinary experiences, comedy, dining, shopping, hotel and ski discounts and more to help you beat the winter blues!

Each day, the Santa Fe Winter Fiesta Adventure Pass will make the good times even better. During Winter Fiesta, participants can also attend the Santa Fe Farmers' Market on January 28 and February 4 where farmers, growers and chefs from northern New Mexico sell their artisan cheese, bread, organic meat and poultry, eggs, produce, jams, jellies, salsas, chutneys and more.

The Railyard Artisans Market, held January 29 and February 5 in the Railyard Park, offers an array of jewelry, pottery, painting, sculpture, photography, fiber arts and more from the celebrated artists and craftspeople of northern New Mexico. (Free entry)

The city will offer free shuttles to help fiesta-goers attend events at different venues in Santa Fe.

Thanksgiving Day is right around the corner. Come celebrate in Santa Fe!!!

Thanksgiving dinner in Santa Fe is a time-honored tradition, and a lot of great restaurants are open and ready to go! Many people make it an annual event (no cooking, no cleanup, and great food) that keeps the holidays stress free and delicious! Check out our staff recommendations for the best Thanksgiving dinners in town! RESERVATIONS ARE A MUST!!! BOOK NOW!!!

Restaurant Martin:

Enjoy Chef Rios' award-winning progressive American cuisine in a refined and pleasing atmosphere. The closest to the Don Gaspar and a Santa Fe Favorite!

The Compound:

Fine dining on Canyon Rd. Mark Kiffin, celebrated chef, owner, and author of the Compound Restaurant, has won the James Beard Foundation award as one of America's Best Chefs. Dinner is sure to be amazing here.

One of Santa Fe's most beloved holiday traditions, the Canyon Road Farolito Walk, lights up the hearts and souls of thousands who promenade this famous path on Christmas Eve.
Small, sand-filled, paper bags illuminated with votive candles line the historic neighborhood streets and adobe walls. Carolers gather around the farolitos (Spanish for paper lantern; diminutive of farol, lantern; from faro, lighthouse, lantern; from Latin pharus, from Pharus, Pharos) or luminarias (small bonfires), and sing for joy as they warm themselves, and our hearts, from the cold night.
The Farolito Walk is free, and has become a celebrated tradition during this sacred season.

Many of the animal dances go on throughout the winter at Northern New Mexico's Indian Pueblos. The dates are usually the same from year to year regardless of the day of the week. Christmas is always a time of dancing, however. For the Pueblos near Santa Fe: Jemez has Buffalo, Eagle or game animal dances on Christmas and the following days. Taos Pueblo alternates dances every other year between the Deer dance and the Matachina dance, this year it is the Matachina dance. A sundown torchlight procession of the Virgin is scheduled Christmas Eve this year for the Picuris, Nambe and San Juan Pueblos. Matachina and other various dances are scheduled for Xmas day at Picuris, San Juan, Santa Clara, Taos, San Juan and San Ildefonso Pueblos. Inquire this year to see if there will be a Turtle Dance at San Juan and at Santa Clara and Picuris Pueblos there is often a Holy Innocents and children's dances after Christmas. New Year's day is also a time of dancing and the Transfer of the Canes ceremony celebrating the tribes' new leaders coming to power.

Christmas Eve in Santa Fe

Noche Buena, service; the midnight Mass of the Rooster, commemorating the folk story of the animals in the manger which were dismayed that no humans had come to see the Christ child so an old rooster flew to a high point and announced the coming of the Messiah. St. Francis Cathedral, 505-982-5619.

We've had a lovely summer but the evenings are cooler and the high yesterday was just 71, signifying Fall is well on its way. If you have been too hot or too wet where you are, you might want to visit Santa Fe and experience the golden Aspen on the mountain, quiet evenings and smaller crowds on the Plaza and some of the wonderful fall offerings of Santa Fe and New Mexico.

Two Great Specials This Fall

We have had a wonderful summer and want to extend a special invitation to you our past visitors. We are discounting our fabulous rooms and suites in September and October to the first lucky callers!

1. Book any available room or suite for two nights and receive a 10% discount.

2. Book any available room or suite for three nights and receive a 20% discount.

3. Book any available room or suite for four or more nights and receive a 25% discount.

This special is only available by calling to make your reservation, you must mention the special at the time you make your reservation. This offer not applicable on existing reservations.

Santa Fe History and Art Museums Special (Sept. 1 to Oct. 31, 2011)

Book 3 nights or more at the Don Gaspar Inn, and receive two 4-day passes (a $40 value) for 5 state museums in Santa Fe (NM History Museum, Palace of the Governors, Museum of Indian Arts and Culture, Museum of International Folk Art and the New Mexico Museum of Art). Visit www.santafe.org and go to the What's Happening page to discover the many wonderful museum shows running this fall. (Mention this special when making your reservation.)

Upcoming Events:

Art and Studio Tours in and around Santa Fe

Celebrate and enjoy the creativity that New Mexico inspires. This fall features Studio Tours as follows:

Taos High Road Art Tour Sept. 17 & 18, 24 & 25

Pecos Studio Tour Sept. 24 & 25

Abiquiu Studio Tour Oct. 8, 9 & 10

Galisteo Studio Tour Oct. 15 & 16

Dixon Studio Tour Nov. 5 & 6

La Cienega Studio Tour Nov. 26 & 27

September 17 & 18

Santa Fe Renaissance Fair, El Rancho de las Golondrinas

Lords and Ladies and little ones, too can join the revelry with jousting, sword fighting and Celtic games. Enjoy entertainment by Clan Tynker. Feast and frolic during this annual community fair, and come dressed in your Renaissance costumes to compete in a clothing contest.

October 1 to 9

Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta

Let yourself go, come enjoy the beauty of over 600 Hot Air Balloons lifting off in the dawn light at the annual Albuquerque Balloon Fiesta. It is a breath taking sight to see so many gorgeous colors filling the sky. Stay in Santa Fe (the more quaint and peaceful city) and drive the 45 minutes to the Balloon Fiesta Park in north Albuquerque, the early morning drive is beautiful.

Year Round Adventure

Santa Fe is not just about the summer. You can hike and bike year-round. With almost 300 days of sun you can enjoy horseback riding, hot air ballooning, fly-fishing, ice-skating, skiing and swimming. Ski Santa Fe, just 15 miles from the Plaza, opens around Thanksgiving. In addition there are many opportunities to take classes in art, cooking, or photography. When you are ready to just relax there are wonderful spa services available including massage, facials, hot tubs and herbal wraps at many locations in the city.

Join us on FACEBOOK. Please select this link to go to our FaceBook Page and "Like" us to receive updates of current specials and events in Santa Fe and at the Don Gaspar Inn.

INNS OF THE SOUTHWEST:Travel thru the Southwest to visit the sights, National Parks, and frontier while enjoying the Casa Blanca Inn and the Blue Lake Ranch this year! Stay 5 or more nights at a 10% discount when you visit 2 or more of the inns.

FILL IN THE GAP SPECIALS

All through the year, we have little one night gaps of availability...a day here and there that we would love to fill.

So, if you can fill one we will give you a wonderful rate of $175 for any available room! And YES...you can room hop from one gap to another. What a way to go! Call us direct to book it!